Why do millions of muslims go for Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia welcomes every year for pilgrimage? What role does Islam play in muslim practice of this old tradition, and why is it considered so significant by worldwide Muslims?
Hajj is an Arabic term meaning pilgrimage, which involves making the journey to Mecca during Dhul-Hijjah (12th month of Islamic calendar) every year in which more than two million Muslims perform specific Hajj rituals according to Quran and Sunnah in worshipping Allah through body, mind and spirit.
Given its significance, Hajj is considered a core principle of Islam and every Muslim – men or women alike – are obliged to perform it at least once in their lifetime if financially and physically possible. Hajj provides an opportunity to transcend worldly concerns in exchange for drawing closer to Allah in an environment dedicated to practicing Islamic values and principles.
What Do Muslims Do on Hajj? Hajj consists of many stages and intricate details, but in this article we will focus on some key steps of its execution:
1- The Tawaf of the Kaaba
Tawaf is one of the primary rituals associated with pilgrimages and involves walking clockwise around the Kaaba in seven complete circuits, beginning and ending at its black stone, or “Tawaf.”
Its message is profound: Muslims should act according to Allah’s will, in accordance with His willful orders for obedience as souls revolve around nuclei and sun around earth, both being bound together under His control. This is also important for Umrah and Hajj. For a better guide people take advantage of Umrah packages with guider by agencies.
2- Safa and Marwa Hills.
After performing Tawaf, pilgrims can then undertake what is known as Sa’i (walking or running between Safa and Marwa hills), starting from Safa hill towards Marwa hill completing one lap.
Returning to Safa for another lap until the seventh, this ritual honors Hagar, Prophet Abraham’s (AS) wife, and her journey across the desert in search of water for Prophet Ishmael (AS). Sa’i symbolizes our ongoing battles throughout life like those endured by Hagar herself.
3- From the Foot of “Arafat”
One of the key rituals of Hajj is known as “Day of Resistance,” when Muslims gather on Arafat Plain from noon until sunset to pray and receive absolution for any sins they have committed, an event which cannot be missed if pilgrims want to complete Hajj successfully.
Muslim communities worldwide encourage those who didn’t attend hajj to fast on this day in memory of Prophet Muhammad () giving his final sermon on Mount Arafat.
4- Rami (Stopping the Devil)
Pilgrims perform Rami by stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven stones. This action commemorates what Prophet Abraham (AS) did when Satan tried to convince him not to follow Allah (llh), so in response he used these small stones to send it packing.
5- Nahr
Nahr is the main obligation that every hajj performer should perform with a sacrifice of an animal such as camel or lamb in Mecca. The meat will be distributed equally according to the islamic indication, especially to the needy.
6. People and the Taqsir
Halq and Taqsir present a Muslim’s devotion to Allah while showing detachment from worldly appearances. After performing sacred sacrifice, male pilgrims should shave or cut short their entire heads or at least shorten or cut the locks of hair on both sides, with women only required to cut one lock of hair off; both acts represent full devotion to Allah () while freeing oneself of external appearances.
How should Muslims prepare for hajj?
Overall, having a balanced approach and positive outlook is the key to successful Hajj. Prep before beginning, extra patience during travel time, and making an effort to better oneself post journey are essential ingredients of an enjoyable pilgrimage experience.
At every step, Muslims must remember to ask Allah for help on their journey; only He can make difficult tasks easier, without His guidance we would surely be lost.
1. Physical Prep:
Gather necessary supplies so nothing gets overlooked, memorize or repeat often and record any notes or observations they feel will help preserve the experience. 2- Spiritual and Mental Prep: (continue reading for more info)
Read up on the Hajj rites early, to put yourself into an appropriate spiritual state of mind for pilgrimage.
Know and set expectations before embarking on Hajj. Assess any personal weaknesses and shortcomings as well as any sins you are currently committing and weaknesses you possess; repent of all sins you are currently engaging in as well as weaknesses you possess; do not go to Hajj intending to continue your sinful behaviors after returning; rather take this experience to combat these habits instead.”
How Do Muslims Dress for Hajj?
The first rite of Hajj is donning an ihram (white cloth or towel garment that covers the body from waist down to knees; it was first worn by Abraham and Muhammad). Women typically don regular attire while men must keep heads covered during Hajj; both can carry an umbrella as part of their garments.
The ihram, or white garment, symbolizes purity and simplicity and shows everyone’s equality before Allah. When worn by pilgrims they enter a state of purity which prohibits fighting, engaging in violence against either humans or animals and having marital relations.
Once wearing his Hajj attire, pilgrims cannot shave, cut their nails, use perfume or use any form of antiperspirant until the pilgrimage has concluded. For more information on Ihram please read this article on it.
Final Thoughts
Hajj is an integral obligation of Islam and was initiated by its Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), but its roots can be traced back thousands of years before this date through Abraham (AS), who also taught its tenets.
Muslims continue to perform Hajj today with Hajj 2025 packages as it was initiated by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in 628 CE during Dhul-Hijjah month in pre-Islamic Arabia, but at that time Dhul-Hijjah was also observed as a sacred month by pre-Islamic Arabs.
During this month, Arabs were forbidden from engaging in combat and instead made pilgrimage to the Kaaba, an enclosure within Masjid al-Haram used at that time to house Arab pagan idols.
Modern Muslims refer to it as Baitullah or “the House of God”, though many do not like mosques as much. Abraham (AS), Prophet Abraham’s successor in Islam, built the Kaaba thousands of years before at Allah (‘s behest. This event led Muslims to participate in Hajj. For more on Kaaba please check this article:)
Every year, millions of Muslims from across the globe visit Mecca on a spiritual pilgrimage known as Hajj, where they experience Allah in an incredible array of diverse and multicultural gatherings. Allah (glory be to Him) has bestowed this incredible privilege upon His servants so they may draw closer to Him while having their sins forgiven – an event highlighted by Prophet Muhammad ().
